What is the meaning of Deuteronomy 3:1? Then we turned and went up the road to Bashan Israel had just witnessed the Lord give them victory over Sihon of Heshbon (Deuteronomy 2:24-36). Trusting that God’s command still stood, Moses led the nation northward. • The “turn” is more than a change of direction; it marks continued obedience to God’s marching orders (Numbers 21:33). • Bashan was fertile and formidable territory, famed for its strong cities and gigantic inhabitants (Deuteronomy 3:4-5). Israel did not shrink back. • God had already promised, “See, I have begun to deliver Sihon and his land over to you. Begin to possess it” (Deuteronomy 2:31). Moving toward Bashan was the next step of that promise unfolding. and Og king of Bashan Og ruled over sixty fortified cities (Deuteronomy 3:4). His iron bed—over thirteen feet long—underscored his sheer size and strength (Deuteronomy 3:11). • Scripture repeatedly recalls Og as a symbol of daunting opposition (Joshua 12:4; Psalm 135:11; 136:20). • By mentioning him by name, the Spirit highlights how God’s people face real, identifiable enemies—and how God defeats them. • Og’s stature and resources could have intimidated Israel, yet their confidence rested in the Lord who had just conquered Sihon. and his whole army came out to meet us Og did not wait to be besieged; he took the initiative. • From Israel’s perspective, this looked like rising danger, but from God’s viewpoint it was a setup for another victory (Deuteronomy 3:2). • “Do not be afraid of them, for the LORD your God Himself will fight for you” (Deuteronomy 3:22) stands as a timeless promise. • Similar moments of enemy aggression—Pharaoh’s chariots at the Red Sea (Exodus 14:10-14) or the Midianites swarming Gideon’s land (Judges 6:33)—all showcase that God’s power shines brightest when foes seem overwhelming. in battle at Edrei Edrei, one of Og’s chief cities, became the battleground where God demonstrated His supremacy. • Numbers 21:34-35 records the same clash: “The LORD said to Moses, ‘Do not fear him…’ So they struck him, his sons, and his whole army.” • Choosing Edrei meant Israel fought on the enemy’s turf, yet even there God’s promise held firm (Deuteronomy 20:1). • Later generations inherited these very towns (Joshua 13:12-13), proof that God’s victories bring tangible blessings. summary Deuteronomy 3:1 captures a pivotal moment of trusting obedience. Israel follows God’s lead into Bashan, faces the formidable Og and his full army, and fights on hostile ground at Edrei. Every phrase testifies that no enemy, however imposing, can withstand the covenant-keeping Lord who goes before His people and grants decisive victory. |
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